Ayesha Badiola

Festivities in every direction were the scenes in Ste. Anne during the September long weekend.  

The annual Dawson Trail Days took place at Redemptoriste Park from Friday, September 1, to Saturday, September 2. Ste. Anne’s Recreational Services Manager, Sarah Normandeau, says they “couldn’t ask for a better day.”  

Blue and yellow, unity and Ukrainian traditions filled K.R. Barkman Park on Sunday afternoon. 

While Ukrainian Independence Day was on August 24, the Ukrainian community in Steinbach and its supporters commemorated it three days later. The celebration was organized by the Ukrainian Association of Southeast Manitoba, which was formed in April 2023.  

The Kleefeld Park was buzzing with entertainment and community gatherings all Saturday long. 

The 53rd annual Kleefeld Honey Festival was packed with a variety of activities for all in attendance. 

It’s not a honey festival without honey, so local makers were on-site selling fresh products. 

Families and individuals packed the bleachers at Marchand Park for the Marchand Logging Day on Saturday.  

The morning's main event was go-cart races with the competitors of the St. Labre 200. It was an eventful handful of races filled with entertainment, laughs and cheers. 

Other activities included bouncy castles, face painting and a flea market. Later in the day, the mud mafia and evening social took place. 

Despite not being hockey season yet, the St. Malo Arena was buzzing on Friday evening.  

The St. Malo Summer Fun Day and Arena Renovation Fundraiser was organized by the Rat River Recreation Commission and offered activities like face painting, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.  

From mud bog races to honey, one of the final weekends in August is festivities galore in the southeast. 

Kick it off on Friday, August 25, at the St. Malo Summer Fun Day Arena Renovation Fundraiser at the St. Malo Arena. 

Free activities include face painting, horse-drawn wagon rides, bouncy castles and more. For live entertainment, artists Catie St. Germain and Real Comeault will perform live at 6:30 PM.  

Aside from the community members at the corner of Main and Lumber on Wednesday afternoon, there was a pickle, cupcake, hotdog and more food costumes roaming around the space. 

The team at Pat Porter Meals on Wheels programs were the ones dressed for the occasion, as they were this week’s recipients of the Taste of Summer Charity Barbecue.  

Pat Porter Meals on Wheels ensures individuals from Steinbach and Grunthal receive healthy meals and have an opportunity to connect with the community.  

Audrey Harder of Pat Porter Meals on Wheels explains meals can be delivered to their home or join other community members at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre (PPALC). 

Planes danced in the sky and pilots showed off their aerobatic skills at Steinbach North Airport for Canadian National Aerobatic Championships this weekend. 

The two-day competition had pilots from across North America compete in the primary, sportsman, intermediate and advanced categories. Competitors showed off routines and were judged based on their execution and skills.  

Hanover Ag Fair in Grunthal kicked off on Thursday, August 17, and has been packed with action and visitors. 

The four-day festival takes place on the Hanover Ag Grounds, offering must-try for people of all ages. 

The mud bog competition was Saturday afternoon’s main attraction. No empty bleacher seats were in sight, and competitors put on a show to remember.